Cambodia garment and textile exports increased nearly 20 percent in the first eight months of 2011 compared to the same period last year, according to Ministry of Commerce figures.

The Kingdom exported US$2.35 billion in garments during the period, a 19.6-percent increase over the $1.96 billion in exports between January and August of last year, according to the figures.

Garment exports to the US increased 13.2 percent to $1.29 billion from $1.14 billion, according to the statistics. Shipments to the European Union increased 15 percent, to $566 million during the first eight months, from $492 million during the same period in 2010.

Ministry of Commerce Statistics Department Director Kong Putheara said yesterday that Cambodian garment and textile exports to the United States are likely to remain strong in 2011, and that some European countries and Asian markets were seen as strong for industry growth this year and next year.

“We’re still seeing growing demand for Cambodian garment products, so we believe that Cambodian garment exports this year will continue to increase from a year earlier as the demand increases from international markets,” Kong Putheara said.

He added the United States is the biggest market for Cambodian garments and textiles exports, with the EU being the second.

During the annual Better Factories Cambodia Buyers’ Forum this week, Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh attributed the growth to good labour conditions and improved quality of products in combination with the global economic recovery.

Besides garment and textile exports, the Kingdom has also exported $158 million in footwear, mainly to European countries, the United States, Canada and Japan.